The Best Tapas Bars in Seville and What to Eat There

Tapas isn’t a stereotype in Seville, it’s a way of life. Let me share the best tapas bars in Seville with you right now.

Don’t forget to check out this delicious and helpful southern Spain itinerary through Andalucia and get your free Seville checklist here.

The Best Tapas Bars in Seville

When it comes to finding the best tapa bars in Seville, it’s almost a local pastime.

People eat out a lot, here, and tapas is definitely not for tourists. You’d be hard pressed to stumble for more than about 100 metres without finding a place that serves up a plate of sliced jamon washed down with cerveza. While fine dining options definitely do exist, the more common way to eat is to share a few dishes of tapas with friends, often while standing at the bar.

The anti-smoking legislation has cleaned up the bars, but their rich Andalusian character remains. Just make sure to avoid the places right by the cathedral and La Giralda, as that’s where the low value tourist fare lives.

Instead, enjoy some of the best tapas in Seville at these cool spots. 

Recommended reading: 5 Ways to Live Like A Local in Seville

The Best Tapas Places in Seville

Eating and drinking while out on the town form such an integral part of life in Seville that it’s sometimes difficult to differentiate between “restaurants” and “bars.” Most self-respecting bars have their own tapas menus and most “tapas bars” expect you to sit, chat and drink.

Here are some of my favourite spots after living in Seville for four years.

Casa Manolo León 

Casa Manolo León ushers you into a stately private home complete with chandeliers, tiled fountains and some of the most succulent pork in Seville. It’s one of the few places where you can sit down for a full three course meal, plus coffee, in the quieter part of town.

Restaurante Abades Triana

For a glimmering view of the Guadalquivir River and the Torre del Oro – or tower of gold – step into the classy Restaurante Abades Triana in Triana. Expect a beautifully turned out menu of caviar, tuna tartare and bacalao (salted cod.)

Pizzeria San Marco

Forget the name, the Pizzeria San Marco serves plenty of traditional Spanish dishes in the atmospheric setting of underground Arabic baths. Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz dined here by these exposed-brick walls while filming the not so critically acclaimed film Knight and Day. Oh, and the name’s not totally redundant, they do serve pizza as well…

*Los Coloniales – My Favourite *

For a fast paced, full-flavoured selection of tapas, head to Los Coloniales. It’s just a few blocks from the cathedral yet a world away from the mediocre tourist traps. Be prepared to queue and be prepared to jostle your way to the bar, but once you have, your tastebuds will thank you. Try the tabla of local salmorejo with diced jamon or even the tapas of quail eggs. Los Coloniales is busy for a reason.

Recommended reading: The Best Things to do in Seville Spain

Vinela 

Forget jamon and smoky dark spaces, Vinela is clean and bright with a sparse yet flavoursome menu.

Al Aljibe

Al Aljibe on the edge of the laid back Plaza Alameda offers a leafy retreat from the hectic streets. Try salmon ceviche or paprika prawns served beneath the shade of the restaurant’s signature orange tree. A peaceful place to while away the hours.

Recommended reading: Where to Stay in Seville

Eslava

To get well and truly off the beaten track, head to Eslava, a narrow corridor of a restaurant decked out in sky blue colours that actually do reflect the colour of the sky in Seville. Almost always packed, ask for the parcels of blue cheese and pork ribs that come in a delicious honey sauce.

El Rincóncillo

El Rincóncillo is more of an institution by now than a bar. It’s the oldest tapas bar in Seville, dating right the way back to 1860, though the building itself goes back even further. It was built in 1670 – and the décor looks that way too. Full of glazed tiles and jamon, both tourists and locals, it’s a sight not to be missed on a bar crawl of Seville. 

A place of culinary chronicles, the age-worn stone walls of this establishment resonate with tales spun from kitchen to counter. With every piece of jamón or plate of espinacas con garbanzos, it bequeaths a slice of history – intimate and authentic.

Top-notch tapas to try? Opt for the olive gordales or the almejas gallegas a la marinera – a wonderful fresh clam dish.

Tread lightly, though, the past lingers – often in the form of queues. Time your visit wisely, early evenings or late afternoons may serve you well, and, if you can, make your visit on a weekday.

La Azotea Vinos Y Tapas

From the old-world charm of El Rinconcillo, steer yourself towards the innovative charisma of La Azotea, a daring darling on the Seville tapas scene. Perched atop Conde de Barajas, this establishment reels you in with its modern crisp white interior and an underlying wood warmth.

The open kitchen, a hive of activity, pushes out modern twists on traditional tapas with bold confidence. Signature dishes such as pork cheeks married to tangy orange wine offer a delightful play on flavours or try pringa montadito, a diminutive sandwich packed with flavour.

Be sure to save room for the boquerones fritos, their famed fried anchovies, and order their slow-cooked egg with garbanzo beans for breakfast. It’s also a spot for steak tartare and wasabi flavoured platters.

La Azotea thrives during the warmer days, with patrons spilling onto the terrace, making it an enviable spot for a casual tapas crawl. However, don’t hesitate to pop by post-Semana Santa, the off-peak hours offer you a more serene experience.

Bodeguita Romero

Seville’s gastronomic map is incomplete without a mention of Bodeguita Romero. This family-owned tapas bar is a tug-of-war between the delight of discovery and the comfort of the familiar.

Its emerald walls teem with well-versed locals, bonding over tapas tales. The hero-plate here? The ‘Pringá’ – a mouth-watering small sandwich, a medley of slowly stewed meats formed into a compact delight.

Linger longer for the tapa of pork loin in whisky (solomillo al whisky ) or salmorejo – a cold tomato soup served with an Andalusian hug.

Visiting on weekdays or during late afternoons promises a chance of serenity with your tapas. The bar is a short walk from La Giralda and the Seville Cathedral, allowing you to savour Spanish culture and cuisine together.

Bar Alfalfa

Compact yet charismatic, Alfalfa uplifts the tapas tradition with progressive pieces. The standout? Alfalfa’s “Cazón en adobo,” deep-fried dogfish, traditionally marinated — practically a roadmap of flavours to southern Spain in every bite.

Complement the Cazón with a glass of crisp Fino sherry from nearby Cadiz.

Find respite in the non-peak hours or pick a spot in the breezy Alfalfa Square for dining.

Casa Morales

With the charisma of a bygone era, Casa Morales, one of Seville’s oldest bars, exudes an air of antiquated sophistication. From floor to ceiling, sherry barrels punctuate the white walls, a reminder of the process that takes over 100 years to produce the end result.

Align your taste with tradition by starting with a glass of Tinto de Verano in the summer or a hearty red wine in winter.

Indulge in Andalusian classics like slow-braised pork in, if you’re brave, tripe stew.

The bar’s location, a stone’s throw away from La Giralda, makes it the perfect spot to begin your food tour amidst the heart of Seville. A pro tip: plan your visit for a Tuesday or Thursday when their celebrated tripe stew is on offer.

La Brunilda Tapas

This bright and welcoming tapas joint is consistently hailed as one of the best restaurants in Seville, dishing up classic tapas with a spirited modern twist.

When you’re here, savour the Galician-style Octopus or toast to Seville’s great way of life with a glass of white wine.

For groups, the dining room setting provides an intimate atmosphere, making it a good option for a tapas tour or celebrating the best things about Spanish cuisine.

It’s worth timing your visit to non-peak hours if you can.

La Bartola

La Bartola thrives on that enchanting blend of tradition and innovation. Referred to by many as the best tapas place with good reason, it transfigures classic tapas bars’ offerings into something altogether more modern.

You’ll find tapas staples daringly meshed with bold and bright global flavours. Indulge in the ‘huevos rotos,’ a sunset of runny egg yolks cascading over crispy potatoes, or succulent meatballs bathed in coconut curry.

Night or day, it’s a great place – lively enough to lift the spirits but maintaining that intimate charm. It serves you well as the final stop in your tapas tour or as a prelude to the larger Mercado de Triana.

La Fresquita

La Fresquita, with its no-fuss exterior, might seem like any other tapas bar. But step in and be greeted by warm yellow hues and a love for tradition that reverberates around its four walls.

It’s one of the most popular tapas bars in Seville, a fact underscored by locals frequenting the place throughout the day. It’s always brimming with gaiety, yet never feels oppressive.

Come late afternoon, find people huddling over the classic ‘caracoles’ – snails stewed in aromatic broth – or the sumptuous game-changing ‘salmorejo’ – chilled tomato soup with a crown of chopped egg and jamón.

While free tapas offerings with drinks are not common for Seville, the quality of food and the genuine traditional vibe here are enough to convince even the most sceptical tourists. This is one stop you mustn’t miss in your tapas tour around the city.

Bodega Dos De Mayo

In a world drenched with wine and tapas, Bodega Dos De Mayo shines as a historical beacon. Locals congregate here, cloaked in conversations while tucking into traditional dishes, creating a theatre of tapas.

Start with the bristled shrimp fritters or ‘tortillitas de camarones’, a tribute to the taverns of Cadiz. Nibble on churros de pescado, fried fish served with a tangy mojo sauce, a speciality that elicits murmurs of delight.

With the ebb of evening, the place illuminates with dazzling lanterns and chatter. Visit during late afternoons for an unhurried taste of Seville – its spirit distilled in the best food and wine.

Steps away, you will find the Museum of Fine Arts, marrying art and food in the heart of Seville.

Bodega Santa Cruz “Las Columnas”

Imagine a bar – no, not just any bar, but one rehabilitated from the timeworn charm of an erstwhile grocery shop from the ’50s. Welcome to Bodega Santa Cruz, “Las Columnas” – a place of tradition and thirst.

Flamenco sketches line the walls, with barrels stacked high, and patrons, as varied as the tapas menu. Order a generous glass of house wine, served with affection and patatas bravas, Spain’s spiced potato avatar.

Or succumb to the jamón, sliced from the legendary black-footed pigs of Spain.

Bar Santa Marta

Bar Santa Marta turns conventional tapas expectations on their head with a delicate dance between tradition and unpredictability. You may even see a spontaneous burst of flamenco.

Well-loved dishes include the lamb stew, served with tenderly cooked chick peas, hinting at Seville’s Moorish past, and the ‘solomillo al whiskey’, pork tenderloin in a whiskey sauce, an absolute treat.

For those treasuring the art of conversation over a drink, a glass of crisp, local wine elevates this experience. Time it right and let the late afternoon laziness of a Spanish siesta guide you and you’ve found a delightful spot away from the hustle.

A stone’s throw away, you’ll discover the Royal Alcazar, a marvel of Moorish architecture where Columbus received his funding for his New World project.

Mercado Lonja Del Barranco

The Mercado Lonja Del Barranco, perched seductively on the bank of the Guadalquivir River, pulsates with life and flavour. Neither low-key nor overly ostentatious, it wraps you into a warm, food-centred embrace.

The market, once a 19th-century fish market, is now a banging hotspot for food enthusiasts, brimming with distinctive tastes and aromas. Those in pursuit of modern tapas will love the number of Seville tapas bars, while purists should head straight for freshly grilled seafood and slices of Jamón Ibérico.

The historic structure throws open its doors at noon. And it’s perhaps the one thing in Seville where it pays not to be late.

Las Teresas

Las Teresas combines history, cuisine, and old-world charm, with roots tracing back to 1870.

Under low, heavy wooden beams, amidst the rustle of flamenco, the tapas puts on a show. Look out for mojama (salt-cured tuna) and broad beans with ham.

No journey to Seville can be rightfully rounded off without a visit to this landmark.

A Few Tips on Ordering Tapas in Seville

1. Embrace the culinary adventurer: The beauty of Seville’s tapas scene lies within its sheer diversity. Relish the opportunity to savour a range of flavours and textures. Whether you’re drawn towards the classic ‘huevos rotos’ at La Bartola or the traditional ‘caracoles’ at La Fresquita, be bold in your selections.
2. Timing is everything: Seville thrives on rhythm – and the tapas bars are no exception. Non-peak hours give you a little more time but don’t be afraid to go full throttle and join the crowds at night.
3. Accompaniments do matter: What’s tapas without a smooth glass of wine to wash it down? Pleasure lies not just in the palate-pleasing bites but also in the harmonious balance of food and drink which the best tapas bars in Seville, like Casa Morales, often provide and cherish.
4. Space matters: Whether you’re a solo traveller tripping along Calle Gerona or a group of friends exploring together, find the tapas bar that suits your style. Some exude an intimate charm – La Bartola and Bar Alfalfa, for instance, are perfect for hushed conversations accompanied by great food.
5. It’s more than just food: Finally, remember – tapas is not mere sustenance, but a culinary journey through the heart of Seville. It’s one of Seville’s areas of great pride, and joy, a testament to its history, and a significant pillar of Spanish culture. Honour it with an appreciative palate and an open mind. Seek out the best places, ask locals for their favourite tapas restaurants, and fully give yourself to one of the best things life in Seville.

• Recommended reading: how to pronounce Seville the right way

The Tapas Dishes You Should Know

While some of the best restaurants in Seville are experimenting, many are not.

Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect to see on the menu in traditional tapas bars across Seville.

• Albondigas – meatballs, often served in a tomato sauce, around 4-6 per dish.
• Gambas – big prawns, often with garlic and enough melted butter to float a ship in
• Tortilla – this is the egg and potato “Spanish omelette” rather than a Mexican flatbread. Eat like locals do and have a tortilla baguette. Carb restriction? What carb restriction!
• Pimientos de Padron – traditionally, these hail from Padron in the north but they’re popular in Seville for good reason. The recipe sounds simple: fry peppers in salt. The result? Surprisingly complex.
• Chocos – chunks of cuttlefish, typically in breadcrumbs and fried
• Revueltos – Spaniards will tell you these are nothing like an omelette gone wrong, scrambling in the process. Non-Spaniards will, er, respectfully disagree.
• Chipirones – tiny squid, often served “a la plancha” on a plate
• Espinacas con garbanzos – spinach with chick peas. Not my favourite but luckily we’re all different. 
• Bacalao – salted cod, sometimes served in a tomato-based sauce.
• Patatas bravas – fried chunks of potato with a side of spicy tomato sauce. Slightly less popular in Seville than in the rest of Spain but a staple nonetheless. 
• Gazpacho – often described as “cold tomato soup,” which is a grave injustice! Vinegar based and perfect for the heat, gazpacho can include other vegetables and is frequently served with a chopped egg and splash of olive oil. 
• Salmorejo – the “local” version of gazpacho. Salmorejo is more opaque and often has jamon diced on top.
• Jamon – ah, jamon. THE specialty of the region. (Pronounced Ham-ON.) The good cuts are pricey and melt in the mouth. Don’t try it at tourist traps otherwise it will be dark and tough and, basically, rubbish.

What to Drink in Seville: Fino Sherry

Forget any image you may have of the sickly sweet red drink your gran had at Christmas, sherry in Seville is a serious affair. Served crisp, cool and white in its short-stemmed long glass, this bitter aperitif is Andalusia’s signature drink.

While Cruzcampo still ranks as the most popular beer, you’ll find fino sherry (as it’s called around here) almost everywhere you look.

It’s served with green olives and a few plates of tapas. It lurks at the side of the stage during live music performances. Hotel bars love it but its story reaches further than the tapas bars of Seville.

Sherry comes from mangling the word Jerez, a region in western Andalusia where sherry is made. One town in particular, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, has a particularly celebrated sherry: manzanilla. Light, dry and slightly salty, it’s certainly an acquired taste – but once acquired it’s the sort of thing you’ll appreciate more and more.

The Best Food Tours and Cooking Lessons in Seville

Do you need to take a Seville food tour? No, of course not! You can just work your way through the list above in your own time. 

However. Food tours can be a fantastic way to meet other people, discover hidden flavours and histories that you might miss on your own. 

You’ll find plenty of different food tours in Seville. I’d recommend booking through Get Your Guide: it’s easily done on your mobile phone and has one of the most flexible cancellation policies I’ve seen (free up to 24 hours beforehand.)

So, while I haven’t taken these food tours through Seville, I have done the research for you. Here’s the best tapas food tours in Seville:

Spanish Cooking Class with Dinner

This three hour food tour starts in Triana market and then moves on to a cooking lesson of traditional Spanish dishes. It takes around three hours and you can take part in English.

River Boat Tour with Tapas in Seville

Combine sightseeing with tapas with a one hour river cruise along the Guadalquivir River. Takes place in Spanish or English.

Seville Tapas Tour

If you’re looking for an all-in-one package, this Seville Tapas Crawl is the perfect choice. The tour includes 10-12 tapas servings, a guide, dessert and 4-5 drinks…it’s the local way!

Finding Vegan Tapas in Seville

Spain isn’t, by tradition, vegan focused nation. That said, plenty of traditional dishes are “accidentally vegan” like patatas bravas and samorejo (if you avoid the egg garnish on top.)

It can be handy know how to say “I am vegan” in Spanish, which is soy vegano for the guys and soy vegana for the girls. Or no como carne, if stuck, which means I don’t eat meat.

However, be prepared for a lot of confusion. It’s sometimes just easiest to pick the vegan options yourself.

If you’re cooking your own food in a self-catered arrangement then life will be easy. Just explore local markets like Mercado Lonja del Barranco for plant-based delights.

Otherwise, your best bet is to ask on social media. Seville is changing and so more vegan tapas bars are bound to appear.

More About Seville

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• What to do in Triana, Seville’s wild side
• No8Do in Seville: the city’s secret code
• What to buy in Seville: the souvenirs to bring home
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• How to pronounce Seville the right way
• The best food markets in Seville

Plus, get your free Seville checklist here.